Our Rule of 5: A Simple and Joyful Christmas

We had found ourselves spending an overwhelming amount of money on Christmas gifts for our children. How could we not? It’s Christmas, after all!

But, as with many other parents we spoke with, what we were left with was a higher credit card bill and a whole lot of toys that lost their wonder just weeks after, what was claimed to be, the best day ever.

We knew we needed to change but none of those around us really had a solution, other than limiting our budget. I took to the internet to find creative ways to not only cut the need to splurge but to encourage us all to be intentional and thoughtful. And, maybe you need change, too. You’re here!

The Basics

As I began my search of a simpler Christmas, I found the Rules of 4, 5, 6 and 7. All of these were created by parents who were desperate for change, too. And, that’s the beautiful thing about an idea like this. It can be adjusted to accommodate you, and your family’s wants and needs.

We chose the Rule of 5 by using the basics; Something I Need, Something to Read, Something to Wear and Something I Want. As our Something #5 we decided it would be Something Special.

Something I Need

Winter clothing like boots and snow pants have been requested more than once in the last few years as we live in an area that sees decent snowfall and they love to play outside. But, school supplies, sports equipment, headphones or earbuds, slippers and dance wear have made it on the list a time or two, as well. This gives them an opportunity to take inventory and decide what they truly need instead of what they want.

Something to Read

Whether it’s a picture book, chapter book or a subscription to the Highlights magazine, they think of something that they would like to learn or a series/collection they are interested in.

When Hannah was little, we fell in love with the Llama Llama collection! With the cutest illustrations and rhyming story line, these books still make us giggle and remind the girls of life lessons that come along with growing up.

Something to Wear

A winter coat, hat and glove set, socks, outfit, shoes and pajamas have become yearly requests, it seems. Sometimes I pair items together: shoes with an outfit, socks with pajamas or a winter coat with hat and glove set. They are just as excited to open their Something to Wear gift as they are their most wanted item. Their genuine reactions are just the sweetest.

Something I Want

This is something they REALLY want. Like, the kind of want that Christmas won’t be the same without it. It is something they’ve had on their hearts and minds set on for three months, or more. This can be big or small but either way we set an equal budget overall so that we’re fair when purchasing all five items.

What is Something #5?

Something #5 is extra special. It’s not an item they asked for but rather something that we, as parents, feel would bring them joy. It’s something that requires us to listen and observe them throughout the year and then for us to be, collectively, thoughtful and creative. Here is what Ross and I often ask ourselves as the holiday season approaches, as we also keep in mind their personalities and love languages:

• What is something she has been asking for that isn’t on her list?
• What is something she needs or wants but doesn’t know it?
• What lifts her spirits?
• What is something she could use but hasn’t expressed it?
• Is it something that we can make?
• Does it promote creativity, keep her mind sharp and body busy?
• Does it provide joy throughout the year?

Something #5 can be a variety of things: an experience to share, an activity to do or something just for them. These are some thoughts we’ve had in the past or items we’ve gifted them that were a hit:

• A movie night basket with a new movie, popcorn, popcorn buckets, movie candy and soda.
• Tickets to the zoo or aquarium.
• A Kiwi Co. subscription. The girls loved their 3-month subscriptions so much, they asked for it again this year!
• A Bible and journal with pens and highlighters.
• A handmade doll bed or building block set.
• A handmade fleece blanket or a heated blanket.

The Unexpected Blessings of Christmas

While limiting our overspending was our top goal, there were unexpected blessings, too. These are simple joys that we would have not been able to experience without changing how we view Christmas.

More care in what they ask for. Under each category, there is only enough room for three items. This challenges them to be modest in what they ask for. Sometimes, they make tough choices as they decide what is most important to them.

A heart of gratitude. We had struggled, for years, when the girls excitedly opened their gifts, only to play with them for a limited time. We began to question whether they even liked what they asked for. As we shifted to the Rule of 5, we see hearts full of pure gratitude and they sincerely enjoy what they receive, even if it’s a pair of fuzzy socks in their stocking.

The first Christmas was simple and now, so is ours. Gone are the days of stressful shopping trips and hours of wrapping. A simple Christmas, just as it was intended.